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If you're living in Korea or just arrived recently, there's a good chance someone has handed you a Shinsegae Gift Certificate (신세계 상품권) —maybe as a holiday gift, a work bonus, or even part of a promotional event. It looks fancy, maybe even valuable, but you’re left wondering what to do with it. Where can you actually use it? Can it be spent like cash anywhere, or are there limits? And if you don’t shop at department stores often, is it still useful? These are common questions, especially among foreigners who aren't yet familiar with how Korean gift certificates work. While the Shinsegae Gift Certificate is incredibly versatile, it does come with a few hidden rules, confusing types, and unexpected restrictions. Unfortunately, most of the instructions and guides out there are in Korean, which makes the experience even more frustrating. That’s why this guide exists. Whether you want to use your certificate for groceries, dining out,...

Have you ever wondered if the cash in your Korean bank account could be earning more? You want the freedom to use your money anytime, but a regular checking account offers almost no interest. If this sounds familiar, a Parking Account (파킹통장) is the financial tool you've been waiting for. Just like its name, a parking account is a place to "park" your money—safely and temporarily. It combines the flexibility of a normal account with the high-interest benefits of a savings account, allowing you to earn more on your emergency funds or short-term savings. This guide will walk you through everything a foreign resident needs to know about parking accounts in Korea: what they are, how to open one, which accounts offer the best rates in 2025, and how to use them to manage your money smartly. Let's make your money work for you. What is a Korean Parking Account (파킹통장)? A Parking Account (파킹통장) is a popular financial product in K...

Thinking about driving in Korea as a foreigner? You’re not alone. Many expats wonder if they can get a Korean driver’s license — and whether it’s worth the time and money. The good news? Korea offers one of the most affordable and efficient ways to get licensed , even for foreigners. Whether you want more freedom to explore, a valid local ID, or access to car-sharing services, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know in 2025. And don’t worry — the written test is available in English, Chinese, and Vietnamese , so you don’t need to be fluent in Korean to get started. Let’s break it down step by step — no confusing terms, no fluff. Table of Contents : Introduction Why You Should Get a Korean Driver’s License in 2025 Who Can Apply? Eligibility for Foreigners What to Prepare Before You Start Which Test Center Should I Choose? Step-by-Step: How to Get a Korean Driver’s License Total Cost Breakdown (Without Driving School) Language Options & Test Format Converting a F...

Since South Korea’s new president took office, the country has been moving quickly to update many laws and systems. One area that’s getting a lot of attention is labor law, especially how salaries and working hours are handled. If you’re working in Korea—or planning to—this matters to you. Many companies in Korea use something called the “inclusive wage system.” This means your monthly salary might already include extra pay for overtime, night shifts, or weekend work—even if you don’t see those listed separately. Sounds confusing? You’re not alone. Now, the Korean government is planning to ban this system by 2026. This means big changes are coming for both employers and workers, including mandatory time-tracking and clearer contracts. In this post, I’ll break down what this wage system really means, why it’s so controversial, and what foreign workers should check in their job contracts today. Let’s dive in. Table of Contents : Why This Labor Law Change Matters Now What Is Korea’s “Incl...

Job hunting in a foreign country brings a mix of hope, confusion, and lots of late-night scrolling. In Korea, the process can feel even trickier. Language barriers, cultural norms, and visa policies all play a role in making things complicated for foreign job seekers. As someone who's navigated job markets overseas myself, I know how frustrating and disorienting it can be to start from scratch in a new country. The first step? Knowing where to look. This guide introduces seven job platforms that actually work for foreigners—plus practical tips to help you approach the search with more clarity and confidence. Why Finding a Job in Korea as a Foreigner Can Be Tough Even qualified foreigners often hit roadblocks when entering the Korean job market. Some of the key challenges include: Language barrier: Many job posts—even for English-speaking roles—are written only in Korean. ...

Finding a cheap and reliable mobile phone plan in South Korea is a common concern for foreigners, whether you're visiting for a few weeks, studying, or living long-term.  Korea has a reputation for having one of the fastest and most stable mobile networks in the world, but it’s not always easy to find budget-friendly plans. Especially if you don’t speak Korean.  Luckily, there are great options for prepaid, postpaid, and even eSIM users. In this 2025 guide, we’ll break down the best low-cost mobile plans available in Korea.  We’ll cover major mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), eSIM alternatives, activation processes, where to buy, and tips to avoid common pitfalls. How Korea’s Mobile Market Works Korea’s mobile infrastructure is dominated by three major telecom companies: SK Telecom (SKT), KT (Olleh), and LG Uplus. These companies own the physical networks. MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) lease access to these networks and offer cheaper plans. This struc...